Maybe its time to review, i did and glad i did.

Lund

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Motorcycle Riders to Take a Course

B.C., Traffic Services
2015-07-31 14:45 PDT
File # 2015-18
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It’s a beautiful summer day and a man heads out on a road trip on his brand new touring bike he bought as a retirement gift. He is excited as the last bike he rode, nearly 30 years ago, didn’t have the same power or handling like this new ride. He has never driven along such an amazing highway with breathtaking views, steep hills, twists and turns. True open road freedom…
For many people, this is enviable and sounds like a dream come true. To the RCMP, it raises immense concern and means potentially another motorcyclist lost to tragedy.
The RCMP reports an increase in motorcycle fatalities over the past three years. Over the past eighteen months, the overwhelming majority of victims in fatal motorcycle crashes have been men, and the 40-69 age group is the most at risk. The Southeast sees the highest number of deaths in the province and the warmer months are the most deadly as more than half of all motorcyclists are killed between May and September.

Sadly, the majority of these deaths are attributed to motorcycle rider error on highways and do not involve another vehicle. This means that motorcycle riders have the power to mitigate their own risks and the RCMP is urging drivers to recognize their limitations and do something about it before it is too late.

Riders who have had their Class 6 licence for 40 years but haven’t ridden for over 20 years think they have the skills of an experienced rider. Nothing could be further from the truth, says Cst. John Belanger of North Island Traffic Services and RCMP Motorcycle Operator.
Motorcycle riders; especially, those who have not ridden in many years need to recognize their riding skills are perishable and they need to take a course. Riding a motorcycle after many years is not as simple as getting back on a bicycle. Refreshing and improving their skills is critical to ensuring they arrive home safely after every ride.
Losing control on corners, speed and inattention are major contributing factors for motorcycle fatalities on BC highways.
Big bikes are losing control on highway curves. The skill required to negotiate these curves at higher speeds is called counter steering. Riders who do not take a course to learn counter steering and practice this essential skill in a controlled environment are at great risk, says Reserve Cst. Dave Cramm of the RCMP’s South Okanagan Traffic Services and an ICBC accredited motorcycle instructor.
Speed limits are the maximum during ideal conditions and when riders do not respect the speed limit and their own limits, tragedy often follows. Driving a motorcycle is a very complex task and requires your full attention. Focusing on the road condition, design and your surrounding environment is critical to avoid a life ending crash.
Taking a motorcycle course and joining a motorcycle social club are excellent ways to mitigate the risk riders face every time they head out on the road, says Cpl. Bruce Robertson of Port Mann Traffic Services and RCMP Motorcycle Operator.
Inspector Martin Dey, of the RCMP’s North District Traffic Services, RCMP Motorcycle Operator and avid motorcyclist urges all motorcyclists to test their abilities in a safe and controlled environment. You need to take a course and practice enough so you become one with the bike. You don’t ride a bike, you have to wear it. It needs to be part of you.
In an effort to reduce motorcycle deaths and injuries on BC roads, the RCMP is already implementing proactive measures to support riders and help improve their skills. South Okanagan Traffic Services identified the high rate of serious and fatal motorcycle collisions in their area and have been proactively educating the riders in their communities on motorcycle safety. This has already had a positive impact on reducing the number of riders who are injured or killed in our area, says Sgt. Harold Hallett of South Okanagan Traffic Services.
Over 100 riders attended a motorcycle cone course held by Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services last month. 85% of riders were shocked to see how minimal their skill level really was. Providing motorcyclists in our communities the opportunity to ensure they have the skills to survive the ride is key to reducing the motorcycle carnage on BC roads, says Cpl. Rempel of BC RCMP Traffic Services.
As the Program Manager for BC's RCMP motorcycle program I am responsible for signing off on officers abilities on the police motorcycle. We (RCMP) mandate all our motor officers to pass an annual skills course. This is after they have completed the initial two week training course required by all officers. If they do not pass this annual test their authority to operate a police motorcycle is removed until such time they are successful. This annual requirement accounts for those officers that have taken the initial training but ride so rarely that their skill sets are in question due to lack of practice. That is how serious we are about officers maintaining skill sets on their motorcycle. If you are returning to the world of motorcycling take some training, it could save your life, says Staff Sergeant Dale Somerville.
For more information on motorcycle safety, visit ICBC’s website: icbc.com


Released by
Cpl. Ronda McEwen


I just finished my motorcycle advanced training on the weekend, after 35yrs of riding a motorcycle. This little read and few incidents i have read and was told lately about was an inspiration to do so. I was blown away at some of my bad habits and lack of skill's i actually had. If you ride, young or experienced older rider, this is a must. You'ed be very surprised on how little and poor your skill's probably are.
BTW, during the course our instructor said according to rcmp stats that 34% of motorcycle rider's in BC are either not license or riding on expired learners or riding under restricted condition's. Such as solo or night, even doubling. Interesting to know that people are willing to take such chances instead of learning and being properly licensed.
 

0neoldfart

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Good post, and I can tell you that regardless of your experience, a refresher isn't a bad idea. Personally, I grew up on bikes, raced motocross in my youth, and have had a street bike since I was 16. I booked my wife into a rider training course a couple years ago, and went along simply for support. To my surprise I learned a few things, and picked up a set of videos from Jerry Pallidino - this is a man who instructs peace officers on how to handle the heavy touring bikes in his "Ride Like a Pro" series. Take the time to watch, take a course, and practice - it may save your life someday.
 

moyiesledhead

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Defensive riding is #1, cuz drivers just don't get it. I'm wearing high viz yellow jacket and helmet now.....still had two cars cut me off this morning. :rant:
 

fj40

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Wear a good set of protective clothing and a good helmet.
I went down last year and was told by the emts and hospital staff, that if I was not wearing my gear and good helmet ( a full face ) l would be dead. I rode with guys that wear half helmets and chaps if I had these on I probably would not be here.
They look cool but give little to no protection. How many people wear a half helmet and or pants with the butt cut out on a sled?
 

the_real_wild1

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I agree with the "ride like a pro" videos. The guy knows his stuff. Another awesome training tool for the street is to ride dirt bikes. You can learn a lot from doing so
 

acesup800

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Would love to wear "protective" gear all the time, but some days it truly is too hot. I wear it when I can, but willing to take the risk when it is 30 deg.
 

fj40

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I was wearing a Kevlar mess jacket and pants lot of air flow at 30+degs not a scratch on me.
 

Lund

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I agree with the "ride like a pro" videos. The guy knows his stuff. Another awesome training tool for the street is to ride dirt bikes. You can learn a lot from doing so

Learning on a dirt bike or using a dirt bike as a learning tool for street bike riding is not a good way. We call it "dirt bike itis".
Its like saying, lets learn how to downhill ski to learn how to telemark ski. They are very different in style even though kinda related.
The only thing you would learn is the location of the throttle, clutch and brakes. Not much else, the riding style are completely different, and "dirt bike itis", is exactly that, habits taken to the street that can get you into trouble.
I have done both and here are a couple of differences in riding techniques.

"Clutching and friction zone", on the street it is the primary way to control low speed maneuvers and take off. Also used to negotiate intersections with heavy traffic and U-turns. Dragging the clutch thus "friction zone", is the way to control engine torque and bike speed and is the proper way to ride a street bike.
In the dirt bike world, the clutch is more on, off. With virtually no friction zone usage.

Steering, do you think that sledders are the only ones that "counter steer"? Counter steering is an essential skill for safe and proper negotiation of curves at high speeds on street bikes.
Have you ever counter steered a dirt bike? LOL...bet the dirt was tasty.

IMO, its a bit of a misconception thinking because you can ride a dirt bike you'll be ok on a road bike without learning......not true.
 

the_real_wild1

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So you are saying that not one single thing can be taught by the experience of riding off road? Let's see. How about riding high speed gravel? Anyone that hasn't ridden off road freaks out when they lose traction due to dirt or gravel. It happens constantly on a dirt bike. What about rain? Same deal. I could go on but you don't ride off road I'm guessing so I won't waste any time proving my point.
 

DRD

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Anyone who has ridden a 125 2S with no bottom end or tried to control the hit of a open classer in greasy conditions is pretty familiar with the "friction zone" IMO.

I do agree a day or two spent with a pro is money well spent and will make you a better rider, regardless of how good you think you may be.
 
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Lund

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So you are saying that not one single thing can be taught by the experience of riding off road? Let's see. How about riding high speed gravel? Anyone that hasn't ridden off road freaks out when they lose traction due to dirt or gravel. It happens constantly on a dirt bike. What about rain? Same deal. I could go on but you don't ride off road I'm guessing so I won't waste any time proving my point.

I sold my dirt bike in exchange for my RZR in 2013. Haven't riden a dirt bike since but have rode dirt bike's as long as sled's and not quite as long as road bikes.
So about 30yrs of dirt bike riding. In fact my first dirt bike was a Hodaka Super rat, since then i've lost track of all the dirt bikes i've gone through. My last one was a 2009 KTM 530 EXC. Awsome bike BTW.
If i can just convince the wife i'm actually looking at a 2016 Husky to ride with my oldest that currently rides a KTM.
But hey, who care's right. I don't disagree with you in some way. But knowing you can ride a dirt bike doesn't mean much when it comes to road bikes. In fact this is my second road bike training course i have taken in the last 5 years. Started by that exact train of thought you posted, when i first got into road bikes nearly 25 years ago. "I can ride a dirt bike, so i can definitely ride a road bike safely"......boy was i wrong and the instructors really drill it into you, to break them dirt bike habits that are dangerous on road bikes.
 
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0neoldfart

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I sold my dirt bike in exchange for my RZR in 2013. Haven't riden a dirt bike since but have rode dirt bike's as long as sled's and not quite as long as road bikes.
So about 30yrs of dirt bike riding. In fact my first dirt bike was a Hodaka Super rat, since then i've lost track of all the dirt bikes i've gone through. My last one was a 2009 KTM 530 EXC. Awsome bike BTW.
If i can just convince the wife i'm actually looking at a 2016 Husky to ride with my oldest that currently rides a KTM.
But hey, who care's right. I don't disagree with you in some way. But knowing you can ride a dirt bike doesn't mean much when it comes to road bikes. In fact this is my second road bike training course i have taken in the last 5 years. Started by that exact train of thought you posted, when i first got into road bikes nearly 25 years ago. "I can ride a dirt bike, so i can definitely ride a road bike safely"......boy was i wrong and the instructors really drill it into you, to break them dirt bike habits that are dangerous on road bikes.
I agree somewhat with Lund, but not totally. Regardless of whether the bike is 250 lbs or 900 lbs, some skills acquired in off road racing can and will save your ass in a panic situation - been there. Most street courses do NOT cover loose conditions, such as sand, gravel, etc, nor do they show you how to properly ditch a bike if need be. Certainly there are some "bad" habits that don't transfer from dirt to pavement, and same applies the other way around.
In the grand scheme of things though, the point is the same. Take rider training - it may save your life.
 

the_real_wild1

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Yes I am talking about the less the perfect riding conditions. They don't teach you how to emergency stop in the rain or on gravel. Or how to turn in slippery conditions. What works on a dry road doesn't work in the rain on an oil slicked road.
 

Lund

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True in the learner's course but not so in the advance course.
yes they do teach it in the advance.
BMW also put on an off road course for adventure bikes in California I believe. I'm currently looking into it for wife and I next year. Non is offered in Canada from what I understand.
 

Bogger

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It's available in Edmonton

I'm going to do my training at TNT - Wife took hers at Edge and was not overly impressed, she will likely re-do it when I take mine this month. We bought a set of matching Suzuki SV650's.

https://tntmotorcycling.com/Courses/Details?levelId=27

True in the learner's course but not so in the advance course.
yes they do teach it in the advance.
BMW also put on an off road course for adventure bikes in California I believe. I'm currently looking into it for wife and I next year. Non is offered in Canada from what I understand.
 

Lund

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This is the course that has been recommended to me by several rider's that have taken it, including the owner of Valley motor sport here in Kelowna.
One couple that we hooked up with for a day tour took the course last year. They both rode the bikes down and said the course was in its own a life time experience.
 

Lund

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It's available in Edmonton

I'm going to do my training at TNT - Wife took hers at Edge and was not overly impressed, she will likely re-do it when I take mine this month. We bought a set of matching Suzuki SV650's.

https://tntmotorcycling.com/Courses/Details?levelId=27

Thank Bogger, Vancouver also has the same or similar training courses.
Adventure Bike Off Road Training | Vancouver BMW Ducati
I really don't know the type of experience they really have and so far from what i hear from other rider's the BMW off road Academy in California comes with excellent reviews. Highly recommended by everyone i have talk too.
 

teeroy

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Yes I am talking about the less the perfect riding conditions. They don't teach you how to emergency stop in the rain or on gravel. Or how to turn in slippery conditions. What works on a dry road doesn't work in the rain on an oil slicked road.
I'm in agreement...there's no better learning tool than a dirt bike especially when you can crash it and learn, and not expect to be grievously injured or killed doing so. you quickly learn about "panic braking" on a dirt bike from experience.

most new street riders (and a lot of older ones too) rely on their rear brake for stopping. the least efficient brake on the bike. I have to just shake my head when I hear guys talk about a crash and saying "I had to lay 'er down"...they have to panic brake, stomp on the pedal, back washes out...and they're down. on good traction that front brake is your best friend, on poor surfaces, not so much. learning that threshold in both conditions is something no course can teach you. that and balance. blows my mind how many riders out there duckwalk their bikes at anything below 5 or even 10mph. as soon as I see someone dragging their feet at slow speeds it's a huge red flag.

as for the clutch slipping thing, or friction threshold, or whatever fancy term they use...has none of these instructors ever ridden a rock or log strewn single track? while trying not to dab a foot? do they really think dirt bikes are only ridden in a large open field or a moto track? to say there is very little to be learned on dirt that applies to street is complete BS in my opinion.

oh yeah, my MC resume...dirt since I was 8, street since 8 and a 1/4 because I'd ride that thing everywhere. legally on street since 16 because my dad wouldn't let me have a car but let me buy a streetbike for my first vehicle, over 40 years of riding for this cat and I've never been without a motorcycle since I got my first one. I would love to take an advanced course just to see what it's about.

these are my opinions, your mileage may vary
 

mxzguy

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I have been riding dirt bikes since I was 13 and street bikes since I was 16 and while they are quite different I had a situation on Yellowhead many years ago where there was 4x4 piece of wood across my lane and vehicles beside me so I was unable to swerve around it my dirt bike instincts kicked in and I stood up on the pegs and rode over it just like a log on the trail without even thinking about it not sure if I would have known to do that without dirt bike skills.
 
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